Why study vocabulary? Vocabulary is one of the most important parts of math. Math is like its own separate language and that language has its own set of terms. Breaking down these words is going to be extremely important as we work to understand that questions on the Regents (especially word problems). To help us remember these words, wewill be making vocabulary flashcards for each unit.

Why make flashcards? We make flashcards for a number of reasons. First, writing out information that we have learned or read help us to memorize it. Second, we are able to study from these flashcards and memorize them. Knowing these key definitions will be very helpful in decoding the Regents!

What information should I put on a flashcard? The flash card has 2 sides. On the front, you'll write the word we're defining or concept we're describing. On the back, you'll put a definition in your own words, any formulas you need to remember, a diagram (if possible), and any other facts that are important or useful in remembering the word or concept (for example, a pneumonic device or a root word).

Flashcard_Template.jpg

How do I make a flashcard?
Step 1: Write the word or concept on the front of the flashcard.
Step 2: Look up a definition for the word or concept. Make sure that the definition is the math definition of the word.
Step 3: Re-write the definition on the back of the flashcard in words that make sense to you. If you're unsure about the word or concept, please ask!
Step 4: Draw a diagram, write out a formula, and/or write an example if necessary.
Step 5: Write down any other important information about the word or concept that you think is useful or helps make the concept make sense.


What words do I have to make flashcards for? For Unit 1, there are 25 vocabulary words/concepts that we will be making concepts for.

The first 5 flashcards have been made for you as an example. Copy these flashcards onto your own flashcards to take with you (or keep in class) and study.

1. Mixed Number
Dictionary Definition: a whole number and a proper fraction combined
My Definition: a whole number and a fraction together
Mixed_Number_Flashcard.jpg

2. Improper Fraction
Dictionary Definition: a fraction where the top number is greater than or equal to the bottom number
My Definition: a fraction where the numerator is bigger than the denominator
Improper_Fraction_Flashcard.jpg
3. Undefined Fraction
Dictionary Definition: Any fraction with a denominator of 0.
My Definition: A fraction with 0 in the denominator.

Undefined_Fraction.jpg

4. Equivalent
Dictionary Definition: equal in value, measure, or force
My Definition: Equal to or the same as

Equivalent_Flashcard.jpg


5. Coefficient
Dictionary Definition: A number or symbol multiplied with a variable or an unknown quantity in an algebraic term
My Definition: The number in front of a variable

Coefficient_Flashcard.jpg

For the next 10 flashcards, you will be given the word and the dictionary/textbook definition. You will need to write the definition in your own words and complete the rest of the flashcard (example, diagram, formulas, and any other important facts). You may look up more definitions, look at examples, or ask questions if you're unsure about what the word means by the definition given.

6. Associative Property (of Addition or Multiplication)
Dictionary Definition: the change in grouping of three or more addends or factors does not change their sum or product

7. Distributive Property
Dictionary Definition: multiply a sum by multiplying each addend separately and then add the products

8. Identity Property of Addition
Dictionary Definition: the sum of zero and any number or variable is the number or variable itself

9. Identity Property of Multiplication
Dictionary Definition: the product of 1 and any number or variable is the number or variable itself

10. Commutative Property (of Addition or Multiplication)
Dictionary Definition: changing the order of addends or factors does not change the sum or produt

11. Simplify
Dictionary Definition: to make simpler or to reduce to basic essentials

12. Power
Dictionary Definition: a number or variable placed as a superscript to the right of another number or quantity indicating the number of times the number or quantity is to be multiplied by itself

13. Rate
Dictionary Definition: a specific kind of ratio, in which two measurements are related to each other

14. Substitution
Dictionary Definition: putting something in place of another

15. Radical
Dictionary Definition: pertaining to or forming a root

For the next 10 vocabulary words, you will do the entire process of making a flashcard on your own (but feel free to ask questions if you have them!)

16. Reduce
17. Exponent
18. Scientific Notation
19. Base
20. Polynomial
21. Like Terms
22. Factor
23. Expression
24. Equation
25. Order of Operations


When you finish all of your flashcards, turn them into your teacher (Tegan or Jeph). You will get feedback on your flashcards and review any that need clarification to ensure that we're studying clear, accurate information.